March 17, 2017 — As a new proposal for an offshore wind project looks likely to trigger a federal auction for development rights, a state agency that was willing to spend big in a previous auction is rethinking its strategy.
German-based PNE has submitted plans for a 400 megawatt offshore wind farm off the coast of Fire Island. The project, submitted to the U.S. Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, would put as many as 50 turbines in the 40,000 acre area.
That’s likely to spark competitive bidding on the area, said Alliance for Clean Energy’s Anne Reynolds, and could move offshore wind along more quickly in New York.
But the New York State Energy and Research Development Authority may not be one of the bidders. The agency said in a statement it “may, but does not expect to” participate in future bidding.
“NYSERDA is executing a strategy to create competition for offtake agreements for areas that meet our standards and provide the best path to cost effectiveness for New York State consumers,” the agency said . “We look forward to working with any successful winning bidder to help us achieve these goals.”